Dream Life Club

Epizody

• Producer Ryan Gladieux on engineering hits, working with the greats and loving the journey 29.05.2026 1h 3min

  Ryan Gladieux is one of my producers so this episode feels like two friends catching up in a studio and going deep on the music industry.Ryan started as a recording intern at Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group in 2011. He eventually worked his way up to head engineer, racking up credits on some of the biggest songs in the world — including Timber by Ke$ha and Pitbull — and getting to work up close with artists like Flo Rida, Rihanna, T-Pain, Charlie Puth, Ty Dolla $ign, Charli XCX, Saweetie, Dua Lipa and more.In this episode we get into what it was really like inside those sessions…the stories you don't hear, the wild nights, the trial by fire of becoming an engineer, and what the music industry actually looks like from behind the glass.
• How Hyperbole, Hinduism & the Right Words will help you Build your Dream 26.05.2026 24min

  I've been thinking a lot about the power of the words we tell ourselves. I got into the concept of creating a "hyperbole" for yourself, a goal so big and so aligned with your soul that it almost sounds crazy...and why that might be exactly the point.I talk about my own hyperbole and why what we tell ourselves every single day might be the most important thing we're not paying enough attention to.
• How to Build a Multi-Platinum Career in the Music Industry: Shari Short’s True Story 15.05.2026 1h 2min

  Shari Short is a RIAA certified multi-platinum songwriter and producer who has written for Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Rita Ora, Sofia Reyes and more. She toured as a background vocalist with Demi Lovato, managed Rebecca Black, became CEO of a boutique record label, and is currently the frontwoman of indie rock band Three One Zero. Oh, and she has a song up for a Primetime Emmy. Not bad for a shy girl from a small town in Idaho with a guitar! But Shari gets into what the highlight reel doesn't show you…the years of waitressing between opportunities, major label meetings that went nowhere and how she ended up interpreting rejection. Listen in for an inspiring conversation and leave ready to build your own success!
• The American Dream: Why Your Personal Dream Can't Exist Without This Conversation 12.05.2026 20min

  My new song American Dream comes out this Friday!! Pre-save it here.This week I'm getting into something that's close to my heart, the idea of the American Dream which inspired my new song out this Friday by the same name.In this episode I talk about why we can't separate our personal dreams from what's happening around us politically and socially. I share some stats that genuinely blew my mind and talk about why I think this isn't actually a left vs. right conversation, it's a human one.The America I grew up believing in as the daughter of immigrants is not the America we're living in right now. But at the same time, I think there is still hope. And that’s what I hope my new song brings to everyone, a sense of hope.Don't forget my new song American Dream comes out this Friday! Pre-save it today.
• Never Sell Out: Dan Smalls on Building Something Real in the Music Industry 08.05.2026 1h

  Dan Smalls is one of the most respected independent concert promoters in the country. With over 35 years experience, he built DSP (Dan Smalls Presents) from a single 1,600 seat theater in Ithaca, NY into a company doing 800+ shows a year across the Northeast. He's worked with legendary artists Pearl Jam, Phish & Blues Traveler, produced Phish’s epic end-of-summer festivals that drew up to 100,000 people and runs the Green River Festival in Massachusetts, happening in June. He did it all while staying fiercely independent.In this conversation, Dan shares his full origin story, from booking Blues Traveler at Cornell frat parties to getting hand-picked by the legendary Bill Graham, to nearly walking away from music entirely before finding his way back.We get into what it really takes to be an independent promoter, how he thinks about risk and what artists at any level can learn about building a career on their own terms.
• How to Get Over Fear and Build Your Dream 28.04.2026 28min

  This is for anyone who feels stuck in something that you don't want to be doing. About five years ago, I made the huge leap to sell my successful company (which I had been building for 10 years) to start a whole new career. It's been the best decision of my entire life but making the jump wasn't easy. In this episode, I share two things that will change your life and allow you to go after your dream. To go from being stuck in something in a life that you don't love to having the courage to take a risk on your dreams.
• This Is Why Creatives Quit — And How You Won't 18.04.2026 29min

  Sumi discusses the very real challenges building a career as an indie artist (you're not alone!!) and how to overcome them and win.
• What It Actually Takes to Get Better 10.04.2026 19min

  In this solo episode, Sumi breaks down the mindset shift that separates people who actually get better at something from those who stay stuck at the same level. Using her own piano journey and the 12 rules for mastery from Wynton Marsalis — one of the most celebrated trumpet players of all time — she gets into what focused growth really looks like and why most of us are working hard just to maintain, not improve.
• Empowering Songwriters: Michelle Lewis' Journey in Advocacy 27.03.2026 54min

  This podcast episode features the esteemed Michelle Lewis, an award-winning songwriter and a prominent advocate for music creators' rights. We delve into her remarkable journey from crafting chart-topping singles for artists such as Amy Grant and Cher to her current role as the CEO of SONA, the Songwriters of North America. Lewis articulates the challenges faced by songwriters in an evolving music industry, particularly highlighting the detrimental impact of streaming on their earnings. Through her advocacy work, she emphasizes the importance of representation and equity for women and underrepresented groups in the music industry. We explore her insights on navigating the complexities of creativity and leadership, as well as the significance of being actively involved in decision-making processes that affect the livelihoods of creators.
• Navigating the Final Stretch: Overcoming the Last Lap Syndrome in Creativity 20.03.2026 23min

  Sumi talks about the the “Last Lap Syndrome,” that moment where you’ve done 80–90% of the work… but can’t seem to finish a creative project and put it out into the world.In this episode, Sumi shares:why creatives (especially those with ADHD tendencies) get stuck before the finish linethe real reason finishing feels harder than startinghow she has personally delayed projects for years (!!) and what she's doing differently nowsimple systems and mindset shifts that actually help you close the loopIf you’ve ever had a creative project that's been almost done for too long… this one’s for you.
• What is the Dream Life Club podcast?! 11.03.2026

  Welcome to the Dream Life Club podcast! Let's build our creative dream, together.
• my NEW strategy on building a career as a music artist 11.03.2026 26min

  Sumi shares a little personal peek into her new attempt to start world building as an artist and what this means for her artistic evolution - and yours!
• We Need your Art NOW more than EVER (told through a dating story!) 06.02.2026 19min

  In this episode, Sumi shares what you might consider an embarrassing dating story to illustrate a point that she doesn't hear emphasized enough! Ultimately she shares how to process the chaos around us and make better art because of it! Takeaways:In the current climate of political turmoil and rapid technological advancements, we must cultivate our purpose and actively engage in creative endeavors.The importance of channeling our emotions into art, especially during challenging times, serves as a transformative means of expression and healing.Acknowledging the patterns of emotional reactions can significantly enhance our capacity to navigate personal and collective crises with resilience.Engaging in creative expression is not merely a personal endeavor, but also an essential act of community and humanity during tumultuous times.
• How to Speak With Influence (Without Trying to Convince) 21.01.2026 24min

  In this episode, Sumi shares 4 frameworks to use immediately in your conversations with EVERYONE in order to own your power and have more influence, immediately! She's hot off an in person training with the GOAT of public speaking himself, Richard Greene, and is sharing from the heart. So listen in to get all the juice!
• 5 things helping me stay grounded, inspired and creative during these chaotic times! 16.01.2026 15min

  Sumi shares 5 concrete things she's doing during this season to help make sure she stays grounded, inspired and creative during these times while plugging in, strategically, to what's going on in this country.
• Rebranding to Creating Amid Chaos 09.01.2026 9min

  Sumi X welcomes you to 2026 with a rallying cry to keep creating, keep making art, keep finding joy and keep coming back to your humanity...despite the chaos in thew world around us. Now more than ever, we need your art!
• What it Means to be an American 13.11.2025 1h 1min

  Amidst humored disagreements, Sumi and Ryan explore the complexity of feelings when it comes to identifying as an "American" today. They open ups conversation on values, patriotism, best case scenarios, who we're mad at most right now and ways we can actually Make being an American Great Again.
• Welcome to WTF Do We Do Now 13.11.2025 25min

  Sumi and Ryan introduce the podcast, WTF do we do now!?" inviting you into a space where we can have smart, emotional and casual conversation about what's going on in America today, how we can deal with it, and do our part to make a positive impact. We don't claim to have the answers but we ask questions, share our (often-conflicting) opinions and provide a space for exploration.
• We're BAAAAACK! Season 2 (what to expect) 13.11.2025 11min

  As promised, join the Sumiverse (i.e. our email community) here! https://fans.xosumix.com/join-the-sumiverseSumi shares a new surprise for season 2 and a little advice on achieving a creative dream. Enjoy!
• 2024 in Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Thrill of 2025 28.01.2025 25min

  Well, well, well. Sometimes things do NOT go as planned! I had recorded this episode middle of December of 2024 - but then my grandmother passed away and I had to take a couple emergency trips to DC, my assistant had a mental breakdown and suddenly left the country, the fires in LA hit as soon as I got back from DC and then 47 was inaugurated and it's been a bit chaotic in my mind and life lately! Anyway, I figured I'd get this episode to y'all anyway because even though it seems a little out of time right now with no recognition of anything that's happened since mid-December, it's still relevant! Stay tuned as we're getting our wheels greased and turning for weekly (or more) episodes now and going forward! In this episode, I reflect on 10 things I'm proud of from 2024, share 3 challenges from the year and 5 things Im excited about for 2025. It's a fun practice to try out for yourself! Take a listen.